Cuttlefish: Masters of Camouflage and Hunting Techniques

Though ‘cuttlefish’ sounds like a cute little fish that you’d want to snuggle, that isn’t the case. The cuttlefish is more like an octopus than a fish. It is a cephalopod with eight arms and two long tentacles that extend for catching prey. One of the most unique features of the cuttlefish is the ability to change their color and pattern to surprise prey and avoid predators, similar to a chameleon. Although some cuttlefish are found in deeper water, the majority of cuttlefish species are shallow water animals that inhabit shallow coastal areas, reefs, and seagrass beds. So, how and what do these mysterious creatures eat?

How Cuttlefish Hunt and Eat

When we hear the word beak, we’re more likely to think of a bird than a fish. The cuttlefish, however, has a beak tucked under its eight arms. The beak, located near the cuttlefish’s mouth, is used to tear open clams and shells to access the meat inside. Cuttlefish also use their two hidden tentacles to snatch prey as they swim by. Pulling the prey in toward their body, they use their beaks to provide a powerful bite. Cuttlefish also use their color- and pattern-changing ability to camouflage themselves and then surprise passing prey.

What Cuttlefish Eat

If it were up to the cuttlefish, it would have an All You Can Eat Shrimp Buffet! Researchers have found that cuttlefish prefer shrimp. According to a study done at the University of Cambridge, researchers tested twenty-nine cuttlefish. Throughout the day, they made crab and shrimp available, putting the food at the same distance from the cuttlefish. All of the cuttlefish chose to eat the shrimp first! Although they prefer shrimp, cuttlefish won’t shy away from crabs, small fish, and prawns. They will also eat smaller octopi, snails, and mussels. Cuttlefish eat:

• Crustaceans
• Small fish
• Crabs
• Shrimps
• Prawns
• Octopus
• Mollusks
• Worms
• Shellfish
• Other cuttlefish

Predators

Cuttlefish are rather small, with most species growing to no more than 10 inches long. Therefore, they are preyed on by many sea animals, including fish, sharks, dolphins, seals, and other cuttlefish.

Competition

Other cephalopods, like the octopus and squid, have similar diets to the cuttlefish. Octopuses hunt at night and trap animals in the web of their tentacles. Squid also hunt at night, searching for small fish, oysters, and crabs. Researchers have found that cuttlefish are equipped to hunt at night and during the day. Night hunting is another time the cuttlefish relies on its camouflage techniques.